The Human Services certificate program teaches basic generalist human services skills and ethics, and also provides a foundation in the social services. This certificate will increase a student’s opportunities for employment and advancement in human services work.
All courses required for the certificate also meet requirements for the Human Services A.S. degree. A student who earns the Certificate will also have completed approximately half the credits required for the Human Services A.S. degree.
The 29-credit Human Services certificate program prepares graduates for careers in social services and other community organizations. The certificate is a great way for students to begin their education to determine if human services is a field for them.
The courses required for the certificate program emphasize human service methods and community resources. Students are able to practice group work in a controlled classroom environment and have real world experience in the field work practicum and seminar courses. The practicum is supervised and students have the opportunity to interact with clients in particular agencies. Working with the program faculty, students are matched to agencies based on their skills and interests.
Essential Functions
The Essential Functions of a student enrolled in the Human Services A.S. and certificate programs requires that the student, with or without reasonable accommodations, must be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate conduct, as defined by BCC’s student Code of Conduct and the BCC publication Civility in the Classroom: A Student Guide, while on campus, off campus when engaging in a BCC assignment or activity, and at field work placements;
- Demonstrate the capacity to understand and implement professional ethics by adhering to the code: “Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.” This code is printed in the program’s publication Field Work in Human Services: Policies and Procedures;
- Demonstrate academic mastery of course content pre- requisite to entry into field work courses by earning specified grades in these courses;
- Demonstrate the ability to form helping relationships with clients by exhibiting appropriate interaction, which includes appropriate eye contact, appropriate and professional verbal interaction, and respect for personal boundaries;
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and respect per- sons from diverse populations;
- Demonstrate the ability to focus consistently on the needs of the client and the subject being discussed;
- Demonstrate professional responsibility concerning attendance, punctuality and work deadlines;
- Demonstrate the ability to comprehend and follow verbal and written instructions;
- Demonstrate the ability to accept and use supervision, suggestions and constructive criticism of one’s work;
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively participate in a small group e.g., college seminar or an agency staff meeting. Participation includes both respectful listening and making appropriate contributions; and
- Demonstrate the ability to write in a manner which indicate the ability to provide appropriate documentation in agency records, using brief focused statements, accurate English and legible handwriting or have sufficient skills to use a computer for documentation.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates of this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate a commitment to the well-being and quality of life of the clients being served;
- Know and follow the Human Services Code of Ethics;
- Make effective referrals and develop helping relationships with individuals and families;
- Facilitate a group;
- Understand and appreciate diversity; and
- Document appropriately in agency records.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
| ENG-101 | Composition I | 3 |
| HSV-111 | Human Service Methods | 3 |
| HSV-135 | Intro to Community Resources | 3 |
| HSV-151 | Field Work Seminar I | 1 |
| HSV-161 | Field Practicum I | 2 |
| HSV-280 | Group & Professional Development | 3 |
| PSY-107 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-204 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| SOC-105 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| - | Specialized Electives | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
Specialized Electives : See footnote 1
Additional Requirements
Demonstrated college-level skills in reading & writing
Minimum Cumulative Average
| Overall |
2.000 |
| Program requirements |
2.000 |
Suggested Pathway to Graduation
The following is a suggestion for completing this program in one year. The actual time needed to complete the program may vary according to each student’s individual needs.
First Semester
| ENG-101 | Composition I | 3 |
| HSV-135 | Intro to Community Resources | 3 |
| PSY-107 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| SOC-105 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| - | Specialized Elective | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Specialized Electives : See footnote 1
Second Semester
| HSV-111 | Human Service Methods | 3 |
| HSV-151 | Field Work Seminar I | 1 |
| HSV-161 | Field Practicum I | 2 |
| HSV-280 | Group & Professional Development | 3 |
| PSY-204 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| - | Specialized Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Specialized Electives : See footnote 1
Gainful Employment Disclosure 2019
Below you'll find program costs, student loan debt, graduation rates, and jobs associated with this program.
Program Name: Human Services Certificate
This program is designed to be completed in: one (1) year.
Costs for this program if completed within normal timeframe:
- $6,607 in-state tuition and fees
- $6,984 New England/New York resident tuition and fees
- $13,393 out-of-state tuition and fees
- $1,450 estimated books and supplies
- $1,856 estimated transportation
There may be additional costs to consider such as reduced income if you will be cutting back on work hours, child care, room, board, and general living expenses while enrolled.
Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $ 0.00 debt.
Program meets licensure requirements in Massachusetts.
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions, please see: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Footnote
- Special Electives: Select in consultation with Program Advisor. Priority course recommendations include: HSV-104, PSY-208, HSV-115, HSV-210, and HSV-225.
Notes
Berkshire Community College seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. Therefore, to the extent practicable, the College will endeavor to make a reasonable academic adjustment for an applicant with a disability who is otherwise qualified.
CORI Check Any prior criminal offense could hinder placement in fieldwork agencies. See Criminal & Sex Offender Record Information Checks.